Thomas Kelly Foundation launch reaches out to the events industry

The Star, Sydney’s premium events and entertainment destination, is proud to host the upcoming launch event for the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation, 18 September 2013, aimed at preventing alcohol-fuelled violence.

Fellow tourism and events industry professional, Ralph Kelly, Founder of the Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation and Managing Director of Hemisphere Hospitality Solutions is looking to the industry that he has contributed to for support of this worthy cause that affects the nation.

On July 9, 2012, Mr Kelly and his wife Kathy, were forced to make the toughest decision any parent could confront – to turn off their child’s life support system. Thomas was killed as the result of an unprovoked king-hit on a Sydney Street.

“The idea that a young man, with a bright future, could walk down a city street in Sydney minding his own business and looking forward to a night out with some close friends and be dead from horrific head injuries two days later is simply not acceptable.

“It is not the society we want our young people to grow up in; nor the kind of society we should get used to. The launch event and the foundation are to help us celebrate Tom’s life and bring justice to the tragedy that his sudden violent death was, by helping prevent it happening again.” Mr Kelly said.

The Foundation’s inaugural fundraising event will be launched in style with a glamorous evening of food and entertainment featuring an outstanding collection of Australian artists such as Don Walker (Cold Chisel) and Jessica Mauboy. Hosted by Richard Wilkins and Matthew Hayden, the event will include a fundraising auction led by Ray Hadley to raise important funds for the cause.

The event has been designed to be a celebration of Thomas’ tragically-shortened life, and a way for members of the community to make a contribution to a safer future.
All funds raised will go to supporting research into the cause and extent of alcohol-fuelled street violence and to developing solutions that can be implemented and supported by governments across the nation.